suddenly
word · lemma: sudden
/ˈsədənɫi/
SUH-duhn-lee
/sˈʌdənli/
SUH-duhn-lee
Definition
In a quick and unexpected way, often without warning. It describes something that happens very fast or at a moment you did not expect.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used with events or changes: 'suddenly stopped', 'suddenly realized'. It often adds surprise or drama in stories. More natural than 'in a sudden way'. Common patterns: 'all of a sudden' and 'suddenly, ...' at the start of a sentence.
Spanish: de repente - repentinamentePortuguese (BR): de repente - subitamentePortuguese (PT): de repente - subitamenteChinese (Simplified): 突然 - 忽然Chinese (Traditional): 突然 - 忽然Hindi: अचानकArabic: فجأةBengali: হঠাৎRussian: вдруг - внезапноJapanese: 突然Vietnamese: đột nhiênKorean: 갑자기Turkish: ansızın - birden - birdenbireUrdu: اچانکIndonesian: tiba-tiba
Example Sentences
The lights went out suddenly.
basic
I suddenly felt sick.
basic
Suddenly, the baby started to cry.
basic
We were just talking, and then he suddenly hung up.
natural
I was fine all day, but suddenly I got really tired.
natural
All of a sudden, everyone in the room went quiet.
natural